El Paso is located along the waters of the Rio Grande River and the southern border of the United States. The city has a lot to offer every visitor, especially for people travelling with children. For example, families can head to the zoo for more than 220 different species or explore El Paso’s Museum of Archaeology to learn about what the area looked like in the past. No matter the family wants to do, there’s something for everyone in this border town.
There are plenty of opportunities for family fun in El Paso. For bowling and arcade games, take your kids to Oasis Lanes. Or, head to Rockin’ Jump for almost endless trampolines and jumping fun. Check out some of the best things to do in El Paso with kids:
Oasis Lanes: take turns knocking the pins down or head over the the arcade
Rockin’ Jump: home to a huge trampoline park with basketball hoops to practice high-flying slam dunks
Franklin Mountains State Park: has more than 24,000 acres of nature and wildlife to explore
El Paso Zoo: includes a variety of African, American, and Asian animals with 220 different species
Western Playland: an old-school family amusement park with classic rides, games, and concessions
Although your kids should always be your first priority, a parent still needs to be able to treat themselves every once in a while. El Paso is full of kid-friendly places parents are sure to enjoy. Some family-friendly things to do include:
Bob-O’s Family Fun Center: laser tag, go-karts, bumper boats, and more
Southwest University Park: catch an El Paso Chihuahuas baseball game
Wyler Aerial Tramway: take a relaxing ride on this tram up to Ranger Peak
The Plaza Theater: hosting films, concerts, and shows in a classic theater setting
El Paso Museum of Art: take a journey through time with more than 7,000 works of art from the Byzantine era to present
What’s a vacation without a bit of sightseeing? Luckily, El Paso is filled with landmarks and historical attractions. San Jacinto Plaza, in the heart of the downtown area, has been there since the city’s founding and used to be home to alligators. Continue reading for more things to do in El Paso for kids:
San Jacinto Plaza: this historic park in the middle of Downtown El Paso was once home to alligators
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site: take a guided tour through this historic area with ancient pictographs to be seen
Fort Bliss: take tours of one of the largest United States military installations
Presidio Chapel of San Elizario: learn the history behind the site and this old church constructed in 1877
Mount Cristo Rey: a 29-foot tall limestone statue at the top of Sierra de Cristo Rey
Why not have fun with the kids while they’re still in elementary school? El Paso has a number of Spray Parks around the city. If that’s not enough, there are plenty of parks with everything a kid needs to have fun. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, try:
Salvador Rivas Jr Spray Park: one of many small spray parks around the city
Marty Robbins Park: this park has a pool and a playground along with sports fields
White Spur Park: lots of grass, shade structures, and a large jungle gym
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: take your family on a tour of the city with this scavenger hunt
Traveling Celebrations: upscale costume and tea parties for your little princess
For families traveling groups, El Paso has a ton of fun activities to check out. One of the best places to go is Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld with its 25 rides and lots of other exciting things to choose from. For things to do with a group of kids, try the following options:
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld: 60 acres of fun with 25 rides to choose from
Bowl El Paso: see who’s the best at knocking all the pins down
El Paso Scenic Drive: your group will be able to take in spectacular views of parts of the USA and Mexico
Winkeydoodles Paintball and Laser Adventure: large laser tag and paintball arena with obstacles
Prude Ranch: explore this vast ranch by foot or on guided horseback
For some kids, learning is fun. With plenty of educational and fun things for kids to do in El Paso, from museums to historic sites, your kids will learn something new each day in the city. For educational activities, try:
El Paso Exploreum: El Paso’s best children’s museum with lots of interactive exhibits
National Border Patrol Museum: teach your kids more about how our borders are protected
El Paso Museum of Archaeology: learn about what El Paso looked like millions of years ago
El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center: detailed exhibits teach kids the important factors of this tragedy
Old Ysleta Mission: the oldest continuously operated parish in Texas
If you need a little time to yourself during tour trip to El Paso, why not sign your kids up for a class or two? They can let their inner cowboy out at Go West Stables or discover hidden talents at Gymnastics Elite. Book one of the following classes:
At the Clayground: a fun art experience where kids can create whatever they want
Gymnastics Elite: here your kids can learn how to tumble and flip like olympians
Championship Martial Arts: give your kids the valuable skill of self-defense
Go West Stables: put on your cowboy hats and go for a horseback riding lesson
Young Rembrandts: the perfect place for your kids to harness their artistic talents
The weather in El Paso is usually nice, if a little toasty. If you’re trying to beat the heat, there is still plenty of fun to be had indoors. Try laser tag, indoor baseball, or even an ice rink. A few things to do in El Paso with kids include:
Adventure Zone El Paso: all the games you need to have fun including laser tag and an arcade
The Base Indoor Baseball and Softball: let your kids brush up on their swing here
Jungle Jaks: a dynamic play area for kids with endless hours of activities
El Paso Hockey and Skating: cool off with a trip to the ice rink
Cave: indoor rock climbing with walls varying in difficulty